Dr Post second in Belmont Stakes for Panthers owner Viola

Dr Post, owned by Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola, finished second in the 152nd Belmont Stakes on Saturday.

"The Belmont is absolutely the race that I covet the most," Viola, a New York native, told the race's website this week. "The race has a fantastic tradition. It's a different race this year given the circumstances at hand, but it still carries the history and memories of fantastic editions in the past. I've always put the Belmont right up there with the Kentucky Derby."

The Belmont, usually the final race of the Triple Crown, was run as the first this year due to rescheduling caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Kentucky Derby, usually first, is scheduled to be run Sept. 5, and the Preakness Stakes is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Dr Post, with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., placed behind favorite Tiz the Law in the 10-horse field with a purse of $1 million.

"He's always been mature, easy to train, very professional," Viola said. "He's almost so talented that he measures up to the challenge at hand."

Viola was part-owner of Always Dreaming when it won the 2017 Kentucky Derby. He has been owner of the Panthers since Sept. 27, 2013.

Vino Rosso, co-owned by Viola's St. Elias Stable, finished fourth in the 2018 Belmont to Triple Crown winner Justify.

Dr Post is named after Viola's family doctor, the Belmont website said.

"He really was a saving grace in my father's life," Viola said. "He had heart disease and he kept him healthy for 20 years. He became my doctor and he's really become more than just a doctor for me."